November 10, 2007

You are my sunshine...

"Here. Hold the marble up to the light and look through it", said the boy. I took it from his hand and obeyed. The designs of the glass were radiant as the light came through. "Ooh", I said, "Very nice." The six-year-old looked at me and stated as a matter-of-fact, "It looks like God."
I am constantly amazed by the innocence and simplicity of a young child's mind. Without the stress of the world, they can live a fairly simple life. Nothing fills me with joy quite like a child does. When a two-year-old girl tells me I'm "a nice girl" and then gives me a hug, my heart overflows with gratitude. Giggling and wrestling with three little kids makes me happier than Starbucks, live music, and Josh Groban put together. =) Winning a hug from a shy and reserved toddler gives me a bigger sense of accomplishment than any skill I acquire. My heart fills with joy as I sing "You are My Sunshine" with a little girl.
Now I understand why Jesus said we must become like little children. What would life be like without joy? Few people know how to find it in the midst of trouble. If you're ever feeling stressed, become like a child. Laugh when you fall down, and smile at the world.

November 9, 2007

happily ever after

She needed a shoulder to cry on. She had forgotten that He had promised to wipe away her tears.
Her heart weighed heavy with loneliness. She didn't realize that she was never alone.

She searched for true love, and then discovered she already had it.
She watched for the one for her, only to realize that He had found her before she was born.

Why search for Prince Charming when you know the King?
Why look for temporary satisfaction when you are eternally loved?

I don't know about you, but I don't need a prince to live happily ever after.
I am loved by the King.

November 5, 2007

Yet again, I am amazed by life. I find myself overwhelmed by the joy I can find in the little things. Each day I learn something new. I have been taught so much the past year, whether by people or by situations, that I feel like I can't absorb any more. Yet I know I haven't even scratched the surface of all I can learn.

Just the past few weeks I have experienced first hand what it feels like to force yourself to do something you never wanted to do. My entire body was terrified. Yet instead of convincing myself why I shouldn't do it, I just did it. And it wasn't that bad after all. I have come to realize that fear is all in your head. And while there may be logical reasons for fear, the majority of it is psychosomatic. I've had the epiphany that it's okay to be uncomfortable and that there's nothing wrong with failing.

It has occurred to me that some people in your life will bring you down, and all you can do is keep going. Not everyone in your life will like you, and not everyone will understand who you really are. Those who really know you will challenge you in your weaknesses, and not just praise you for your strengths. Those are the ones who make the greatest impact. I am so grateful for those people in my life - the ones who push me further than I ever wanted to go and beyond. But most of all I am grateful for my Savior and all he has done. Nothing I ever say could be enough to describe the depth of my love. "I love you endlessly..."